TailHappy

I pretty much posted the same question under the AEM forum but wanted to check here too to get the PFC biased opinions...

Basically, after adding a high-flow cat, my plugs appear as if I may be very close to running lean again. I don't really want to fool with sending off my XS ECU anymore and would like to just upgrade to a tunable system. I'm trying to decide between the PFC/datalogit and AEM, but I'm leaning toward PFC. Do any of you that own PFCs see anything in the AEM that makes you wish you had it? It appears that the datalogit will let you do the vast majority of the AEM's features. Any good reasons why I should hold off for the unknown (AEM) vs sticking with a proven ECU (PFC)? So far, NOS/knock/traction control and a few extra inputs haven't been enough to convert me.

Thanks in advance

mmaragos

The AEM is supposed to have an "auto-tune" function in conjunction with a wide band O2. I don't know the details.

The AEM has many more options that will likely never be used by anyone but the diehard. You listed a couple of them.

I wouldn't mind trying some of the cool features, but the wait is going to be a while...any who knows exactly how good the base maps are.

I dropped out of the GB when the release was postponed for the second time and went with Datalogit for my PFC.

The main feature that I was really after (datalogging with a wideband O2) was available with Datalogit.

TailHappy

Thanks for the reply, mmaragos. It seems that lots of AEM fans like the digital dash, but I think I prefer the commander. I really like being able to monitor sensors without having to lug a laptop around, especially since I really can't think of a good place for a laptop other than the passenger seat. And after seeing some of the slick installations of the commander once you take it apart, I'm even more inspired to go that route. I'm no die-hard, so it sounds more and more like the PFC is for me. Still just wanted to make sure I'm not missing some must-have feature that's going to make me hate my decision....

rx7tt95

TailHappy, I'd second your impressions of the PFC. It's nice to be able to monitor certain things with a small device. I've heard that we'll be able to run FC_Edit (program that runs the Datalogit box) on a Palm which would be pretty nifty! The Datalogit, IMHO, completely levels the playing field between the two. Forget about the knock sensor, it won't act quickly enough to save the engine. AEM promises many cool features which I wouldn't mind having, but for the core application, the PFC plus the datalogit is what most need. Traction control would be a great addition. There are other add-on kits to achieve it though. In the end, you may be waiting six months for the AEM with virtually no "community" support nor maps to choose from or have the PFC and Datalogit in two to three weeks. The Datalogit group is already starting to collect a nice array of maps. The group as a whole seems very helpful too which is nice and actual Datalogit support from the manufacturer is second to none.
Michel

TailHappy

Wow, I hadn't heard of the FC_Edit for the Palm! Do you know where I could find more details about this? I could probably totally ditch the commander if they made the Palm link a reality.

rx7tt95, you mention "many cool features you wouldn't mind having." Anything in particular? Really the only thing I'm aware of that I would like is the supposed ability to do things, like boost, by gear.

But I'd be very concerned about being one of the first to use a new product. I know Jason swears he's been using one for a year now, but historically the first version of something always has problems, and I can't afford to be a beta testor with MY car!

Jonesboro

It's not clear when (or if) the AEM will be available for the FD. The PFC and Datalogit are available now. So, posing your question as PFC vs AEM really isn't dealing with the facts. Do you want a user tuneable ECU or not? If the answer is yes then the most popular choices are PFC and Haltech. If you are not sure, then wait around and see if the AEM ever becomes available for the FD.

the_glass_man

iTrader: (2)

Well I just made the choice PFC with Datalogit for me.
Anyone want a M2 Stage 3 ECU???

TailHappy

True, but at least in my case I already have an XS ECU tuned for my car. After my recent high-flow installation, things have leaned out a bit and I know it's time to start planning for the next step. I don't necessarily need an ECU immediately. If the AEM were worth it to me I could always send the XS back and get it retuned to get by while I wait. Just not sure that it even makes sense for me to wait since the PFC probably will fill all my needs, but that's why I was asking the question.

Think I'm gonna be with you, Glassman! Just have to wait for that next paycheck to arrive.....

Jonesboro

I have the PFC and I think you will be happy with it.

The best thing that the PFC has going for it is an extensive user base with experience that they are willing to share, both the Datalogit group and the PFC Forum on the RX7 Club.

The complaints I've heard about the PFC all seem to boil down to a lack of understanding about how to tune the rotary engine. I've yet to hear a complaint about the quality of the PFC itself. Oh, there have been numerous complaints about the lack of support from Apexi. But really, Apexi never intended to provide direct customer support, they expected PFC owners to go to Apexi certified tuners like they do in Japan.

TailHappy

They didn't realize that's not the American spirit! Give us some buttons and we'll mash them! (and then complain if it messes something up!)

Thanks for everyone's reply. It looks like all the bases are covered with the addition of the datalogit. And now with PFC prices dropping, the whole package is less than what just the ECU and commander used to cost. Oooo, I can't wait! Time to go sell some plasma!